He continues to write and record new material and performs live frequently throughout Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia.
Thompson was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2011 New Year Honours for services to music. On 5 July 2011, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa was conferred on Thompson by the University of Aberdeen, in a ceremony at the University's Elphinstone Hall.
Mr. Stupid
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The judge will slap me down
You've got me in the corner
And it's only the second round
So I'll keep my mouth shut, darling
I'll be quiet as a lamb
And I'll act just as dumb, dear
As you really think I am
I'll shake your hand like a 'Rang Utan
Be as goofy as a clown
Clear the streets and book your seats
Mr. Stupid's Back In Town
Have you seen me shoot
right through that hoop
It's a trick of great renown
Bring the crowd and laugh out loud
Mr. Stupid's back in town
When your friends point out
you're stuck with
A Neanderthal for an ex
Don't fret about it, darling
I still sign my name on cheques
I can grunt my way through questions
I can scratch myself and howl
I can numb you with my dumbness
I can lay it on with a trowel
On your 37th birthday
When he handed you that mink
Did you still feel like a victim
With your elbows in the sink
But I've said too much already
Now I think I'll step aside
'Cos my alter ego's ready
For any questions on your mind
The lyrics of Richard Thompson's "Mr. Stupid" speak of a man who is willing to act dumb and unassuming in order to please his significant other. He reveals that if he were to speak his mind, he would be slapped down by a judge, indicating that perhaps he is trapped in an unfavorable situation, possibly a legal battle or a difficult relationship. Despite this, he is willing to keep his mouth shut and act as silly as his lover expects him to be.
In the second verse, he continues with this theme, stating that he is willing to perform like a circus animal, shaking hands like an orangutan, and being as goofy as a clown. He even goes on to say that he will perform a trick of great renown, shooting a basketball through a hoop, in order to bring laughter and joy to those around him. He reiterates that he is willing to act dumb and uneducated, grunting his way through questions, scratching himself and howling, and pretending to be numb to the world around him.
It is implied that the man's significant other is not happy about his behavior, as her friends often point out that she is "stuck with a Neanderthal for an ex." Despite this, he continues to act foolish and tells her that he is capable of signing cheques and answering questions, but chooses not to. The song ends with the man stepping aside and letting his alter ego, Mr. Stupid, take over and answer any questions that may be on her mind.
Line by Line Meaning
If I say what's on my mind, dear
If I express my true feelings, dear
The judge will slap me down
I will face consequences or punishment
You've got me in the corner
You have put me in a difficult situation
And it's only the second round
Our argument has just begun
So I'll keep my mouth shut, darling
I will remain silent, dear
I'll be quiet as a lamb
I will be extremely quiet
And I'll act just as dumb, dear
I will appear as foolish as you think I am
I'll shake your hand like a 'Rang Utan
I will shake your hand like an ape
Be as goofy as a clown
I will act silly, like a circus performer
Clear the streets and book your seats
Make way for me, I am here to entertain
Mr. Stupid's Back In Town
I have returned to act foolish
Have you seen me shoot
Have you seen me perform my 'trick'
right through that hoop
Shoot a ball successfully through a hoop
It's a trick of great renown
It is a famous or well-known trick
Bring the crowd and laugh out loud
Come and watch, laugh loudly
When your friends point out
When your friends remind you
you're stuck with
You are in a difficult situation with
A Neanderthal for an ex
Your former partner is unintelligent and uncivilized
Don't fret about it, darling
Do not worry about it, dear
I still sign my name on cheques
I am wealthy and successful
I can grunt my way through questions
I can answer questions in a basic, unhelpful manner
I can scratch myself and howl
I can act like an animal
I can numb you with my dumbness
I can make you feel mentally drained or frustrated
I can lay it on with a trowel
I can exaggerate or act over-the-top
On your 37th birthday
On your thirty-seventh birthday
When he handed you that mink
When he gave you that fur coat
Did you still feel like a victim
Did you still feel like you were being treated unfairly
With your elbows in the sink
With your arms placed on a sink
But I've said too much already
But I have already spoken too much
Now I think I'll step aside
Now I will remove myself from the situation
'Cos my alter ego's ready
Because my other personality is prepared
For any questions on your mind
To answer any questions you may have
Contributed by Camden P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mr.Stupid
This is literally me.